Roberto

Today’s Wynwood, with all its art galleries, expensive and shiny condominiums, and chic retail spaces; is a far cry from the “Little San Juan” community of about 10-15 years ago. Gentrification has definitely taken its toll in our little community, and while many residents of this Miami neighborhood praise the radical change in the area, I miss the old Wynwood. Some things never change: the Edgewater portion of Wynwood is still the safest and most chic place to live; while the vicinities surrounding Roberto Clemente Park, I-95 and parts of Biscayne Blvd are still considered somewhat sketchy (but fun).

Wynwood is the heart of the visual arts and fashion of the Miami Design District. If you enjoy living surrounded by forward-thinking art galleries, this is the place for you. The new bars and restaurants are of the more upscale, chic, and bohemian variety; though you can still find some venerable Puerto Rican flavor in the neighborhood in the form of cafeterias, bodegas, and shady bars that blare salsa and reggaeton. Visitors are encouraged to eat at the family owned cafeterias to taste delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the brand new retail spaces such as Target and Marshall’s and gaze at the amazingly beautiful women that frequent those stores.

Traffic is mostly hit-and-miss in the area. There are plenty of side streets for those wishing to avoid Biscayne Blvd and Miami Ave. Escaping to Miami Beach is easily accomplished by 195 to the north and the Venetian Causeway to the south. Access to downtown Miami is also a breeze, and I-95 can be avoided.

While Wynwood has experienced a shift in its population demographics and socioeconomics, it is still a decent place to raise a family. There are many community resources such as low cost health care (Clinica Borinquen) and child care (Kidco). Summer days can be a blast at the water playground of Roberto Clemente Park; and the waterfront Pace Park is also a good bet for picnics and festivals.

The art gallery revival effort in Wynwood and Midtown Miami has brought about some new clean architecture and has revitalized sections of the neighborhood. Economic development is in full swing, and the art gallery owners and patrons have shown interest in community involvement. All in all, Wynwood looks toward the future and is intent in becoming one of Miami’s most exciting communities.

From 8th St North to about Espanola Way, Meridian Avenue is lined with older houses converted into smaller apartment units and efficiencies. The street is covered by shady trees and has wide lanes. Curbside parking is available for residents who register with the Miami Beach Parking Authority. Meridian Avenue is not heavily transited by tourists, and some areas are off limits to truck traffic, which makes it nice and quiet.

Affordable rentals are available during the off season, and Flamingo Park is within walking distance, as well as the beach. Many nightlife spots are within walking distance, as well as shops, restaurants, art galleries, etc...

NW 3rd begins right at the Miami River and continues West past the old Orange Bowl. This street is lined with affordable housing, and traffic is not too bad. Henderson Park is on this street, and two small hospitals are close by. As far as shopping and dining out, most of the stores are of the value and specialty kind, and there are plenty of latin cafeterias and restaurants which offer cheap delicious food. Not much of a nightlife, unless you want to count the seedy bars which can be fun but dangerous. The street is mostly quiet, though there is some criminal activity.

Living along NW 3rd would be ideal for those wishing a short commute to Downtown Miami (head East to S River Drive, down to NW 1st St, head East and you are there!

W 68th St is also known as Gratigny Drive, but it is not to be confused with Gratigny Parkway (that's a toll road accessible off the Palmetto and near I-75. If you move to the neighborhoods surrounding W. 68th, expect to see tons of traffic during the daytime. W 68th can take you to the Palmetto and I-75 if you are going north to West Broward, or you can follow it in the opposite direction to Douglas Rd, the Gratigny Parkway, and Lejeune Rd. W 68th going West will eventually take you to the beautiful Amelia Earhart park and its nature trails, athletic fields, and artificial ponds (catch and release fishing is encouraged).

Very affordable housing can be found in the area, and public transportation is standing by to take you to the nearby industrial areas and Downtown Miami.

North Miami Beach Drive starts as Sunny Isles Blvd on the East, very close to the ocean; and then it turns into 163rd St and NE 167th St even further as it approaches I-95. Closer to the beach it crosses the beautiful Oleta River Recreation Area which is an amazing park with challenging mountain bike trails and kayaking. There are many different zones to this street: many blocks are retail commercial later giving way to residential areas. This street can see heavy traffic as it gets closer to I-95. This street is quiet for the most part, and some industrial zones can be reached off the side streets. As you drive away from the beach, the housing becomes more affordable; and the crime increases a bit.

Alton Rd runs from Allison Island all the way to South Pointe. As far as traffic goes, it is one of the best north-south thoroughfares to drive while in Miami Beach. Alton Rd provides easy access to the McArthur Ramp in South Beach, and to Collins Avenue and North Miami Beach. Alton Rd has long stretches of both commercial and residential zoning. Housing is mostly on the expensive side, though small affordable apartments can be obtained during low season. The utilities can seem to run on the higher end, though; and cable tv and broadband internet service are offered by Atlantic Broadband instead of Comcast. Alton Rd has plenty of interesting Art Deco architecture to look at; and for all its traffic, it is constantly kept crime free by the Miami Beach PD.

There is about one block of nice housing in W Flagler St, and that is just West of I-95. As you continue through Little Havana and away from the Miami River, W Flagler begins to look dreary. The street is lined with a combination of low income dilapidated housing and run-down storefronts. Crime is high in the area, and there is very little landscaping and an abundance of litter in some spots. There are areas of heavy traffic which make the neighborhood noisy at times. Shopping is mostly of the value kind, though there is an abundance of Cuban and Central American cafeterias and restaurants that offer authentic and delicious latin food at great prices. Residents of nearby neighborhoods are super nice and friendly; and the housing prices are great for those looking to save some cash.

South Miami Avenue becomes South Bayshore Drive south of Mercy Avenue and continues along the bay south to Coconut Grove. It is a very nice drive which offers glimpses of the Bay, along with a bike path. Pedestrian traffic can be heavy during the weekends, especially around Kennedy Park. Raccoons can be seen crossing the road at night. Bayshore Drive is lined with many examples of South Florida vegetation. At the end of Bayshore Dr is McFarlane Rd, on which you can walk to the Ritzy Street of Mayfair shopping mall for some upscale retail therapy.

Brickell Avenue runs parallel to South Miami Avenue. From 3rd st on south, it runs down the middle of the Miami Financial District. Large investment banks and corporate office buildings line Brickell Avenue, and the overall look is very clean and upscale. The Miami Financial District is easily accessible via the Metro Mover (and it's free!). Continuing south, Brickell Avenue gives way to luxury condominium housing and some upscale eateries and bars.

West of I-95, Miami Gardens Dr (or 183rd St), is a busy stretch lined by heavy industrial zoning. A large Publix warehouse and distribution center for South Florida is located there, as well as many other large warehouses. Traffic can be busy at times, and the street itself is very noisy all the way west to 441 (or State Rd 7). The rest of Miami Gardens Dr is a mixture of affordable residential zones combined with light retail all the way to I-75. Raccoons and possums can be seen crossing the street at night. A large exotic nightclub (Tootsies Cabaret) is located at the corner of 441 and 183rd St.

NW 122nd (or W 68th St, depending on who you ask) is a densely populated and heavily transited street in Hialeah Gardens which can be easily accessed from the Palmetto Expressway, I-75, or Okeechobee Rd. This is part of the Great Miami Metro Area, and as such, it has grown exponentially over the last few years. The traffic can be horrendous at times, and crimes such as breaking and entering, grand theft auto, and robbery are on the rise. Housing is mostly middle class and affordable; and there are many retail outlets, including many small restaurants that offer delicious latin cuisine.

Starting from Coral Gables in the East and stretching all the way West past the Turnpike, Sunset Dr is a long road that is lined with both luxury mansions and affordable housing, as well as commercial zones. Sunset Drive has close access to major roads such as the Palmetto Expressway, the Don Shula Expressway and the Turnpike. Indian Hammocks Park is highly recommended for a visit.

One of the most scenic drives that can be taken in Miami, this causeway offers the best day or nighttime views of the Miami skyline; especially when driving north from Key Biscayne. The Miami Seaquarium, Crandon Park and historical Virginia Key Park are must-visit spots. Key Biscayne itself is home to many ritzy hotels, as well as luxury housing and nightlife attractions.

Calle Ocho is the quintessential tourist spot in Miami for anyone wishing to get a splash of Cuban culture. Calle Ocho is fairly clean and orderly, though traffic can get backed up sometimes. The restaurants and bodegas are a must-visit, as well as Domino Park, the Bay of Pigs memorial, and the Jose Martí statue. Shopping is definitely for the value-conscious (not the fashionable crowd).